Since 2021, StroudFest has been a Labor Day tradition for me. Every year, I’ve had the joy of setting up my table on Main Street, near Starbucks, ready to share my work and connect with this incredible community. This year marked my fifth StroudFest—and with each one, I’ve come to appreciate more deeply how much this event means to both locals and visitors alike.
Over the past five years, my table has grown from a simple display into a place where art, stories, and opportunities meet. Festival-goers have browsed prints from my photography collection, asked about upcoming sessions, learned about classes I’m teaching, and shared their own stories of why photography matters to them. And while I love the chance to sell prints or book sessions, what truly fills me with gratitude are the conversations—the new faces I meet, the potential clients who share their excitement, and the familiar friends who stop by year after year.
StroudFest is more than just a festival—it’s a heartbeat of our community, a celebration of hard work, creativity, and local pride. Being part of it for the fifth year reminded me once again why I return: to capture the spirit of the day, to support other small businesses and foundations, and to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Preparing for StroudFest: From Summer Planning to Festival Day
What most people see on Labor Day weekend is a polished table filled with prints, canvases, and smiling faces—but what they don’t see is the months of preparation that go into making StroudFest a success. For me, the work begins in early summer, when I start planning out what I’ll showcase and how I want my table to feel that year.
Organizing my print and canvas collection is always the first step. I carefully select images that capture both local beauty and my wider travels, making sure there’s something for everyone—from the person looking for a bold statement piece to the one who wants a small print to brighten their desk. At the same time, I place orders for fun swag items to stock the prize wheel, something festival-goers have come to look forward to each year.
Flyers and brochures also go into production during those summer months, highlighting upcoming photography classes and sessions so visitors leave with inspiration and information in hand. And of course, a highlight of my planning involves conversations with our character actor, Danny, whose creativity brings such an exciting energy to StroudFest. Each year, we chat about which character he’ll bring to life, and his presence always adds a spark that draws people in.
As the weeks tick by, the organizing shifts into high gear. My basement transforms into a temporary storage space, with boxes of prints, stacks of brochures, canvases wrapped for protection, and bins labeled for the festival. Every corner becomes part of the staging process, and though it feels chaotic at times, there’s always a rhythm to it—a sense of building momentum toward one of the biggest days of the year for both my business and the community.
The Best Part: The People
What fills my camera—and my heart—every StroudFest isn’t the tents or the timelines; it’s the people. Clients who’ve turned into friends stop by with updates and hugs. Fellow small-business owners cheer one another on between sales. Every “Hey, we booked with you last year!” and every “We’ve been meaning to take new family photos” reminds me why this community is the backbone of my business.
This year brought a moment I’ll never forget. A young couple walked up to my table, and the guy smiled and said, “You probably don’t remember me…”—and then told me I was his teacher when I first started out as a teacher. Talk about full circle. We caught up, I met his partner, and we snapped a quick photo. In one conversation, my two worlds—teacher and photographer—met right there on Main Street. It was a reminder that the work we do, whether in a classroom or behind a camera, ripples out further than we ever realize.
To everyone who stopped by, cheered us on, helped set up, or simply said hello—thank you. Your love and support make the long prep days worth it and turn a busy festival into a beautiful tradition.
Partnering with Pocono Photo Club: Year Two
This year marked our second collaboration with the Pocono Photo Club at StroudFest, and it felt like coming home to a circle of creative friends. Sharing space with fellow members turned our corner of Main Street into a little hub for photography lovers—part gallery, part classroom, part reunion. Between conversations about lenses and light, we swapped stories, cheered each other on, and soaked up that familiar spark that happens when photographers gather.
One of the best parts was watching the club welcome new faces. Visitors lingered to flip through prints, ask about meetings and outings, and learn how the club supports photographers at every level. Seeing people inquire about the club—excited to grow, connect, and start creating—was a highlight.
And the work on display? Inspiring. Members shared images that spanned landscapes, wildlife, portraits, street, and everything in between—each print a reminder of how differently we see the same world. There were mini critiques, technique tips traded across the table, and that quiet pride of realizing how far we’ve all come since last year. I’m grateful for the camaraderie, the mentorship, and the momentum this collaboration brings. Being part of a club that elevates photography across the Poconos is a privilege—and I’m already looking forward to year three.
Danny’s Characters: Bringing Joy Year After Year
One of the highlights of my StroudFest table has been the energy and fun brought by my collaboration with Danny, our incredibly talented character actor. His presence adds an unforgettable layer of entertainment and creativity, drawing people in and sparking countless smiles and conversations.
When we first teamed up, Danny debuted as the Cat in the Hat, delighting kids and adults alike with his playful antics and whimsical charm. The following year, he dazzled the crowd as Elton John, complete with flair and sparkle that had people stopping mid-street just to snap a photo with him. And this year, he brought true patriotic pride to StroudFest by embodying Uncle Sam—a fitting tribute as we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Each character Danny brings to life doesn’t just entertain—it creates memories. Visitors to my table leave not only with prints, brochures, or session info, but also with a story to tell about the character they met. His presence reinforces the idea that photography isn’t just about pictures—it’s about moments, personality, and experiences that stay with you long after the day is done.
I’m grateful for our ongoing collaboration and can’t wait to see what character he’ll bring to the streets of Stroudsburg next year.
A Marathon Day That Flies By
StroudFest may be just one day on the calendar, but for me, it’s nearly a twelve-hour marathon of energy, connection, and creativity. From the moment the sun comes up and we begin setting up tables, displays, and prints, the day is a whirlwind of conversations, smiles, and nonstop movement. There’s barely a chance to sit down, and yet somehow the hours slip by faster than I can believe.
By the time the streets clear and the last canvas is packed away, I always feel a mix of exhaustion and gratitude. Tired feet and a full heart—that’s the StroudFest way. What makes it so special is that, despite the long hours, it never feels like “work.” Every interaction, every familiar face that stops by, and every new connection I make reminds me why I look forward to this festival year after year.
It’s not just about showcasing my photography—it’s about being part of something bigger, a tradition that celebrates community and creativity all in one place. And even after five years, I find myself already thinking ahead to the next StroudFest, eager for the chance to do it all over again.
With Gratitude: See You Next Labor Day
StroudFest is a team effort, and I’m so grateful for the people who made our fifth year shine. A huge shout-out to my Pocono Photo Club friends—Sam, Steen, John, Miguel, Ann, and Jim—for manning the table, welcoming new members, and sharing your beautiful work. Thank you to Dave at Stroud Photo for the flawless prints that stopped people in their tracks.
And to my boyfriend Jon—thank you for being there all day, hauling gear, setting up, breaking down, and cheering me on from first light to last box.
Finally, to everyone who stopped by, spun the wheel, picked up a print, asked about sessions or classes, or simply said hello—your support means everything. You’re the reason this twelve-hour day flies by and why I look forward to doing it all again next year.
📸❤️🌻
